T.J. Dillashaw confirms he is being paid to train at Team Elevation in Colorado

UFC bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw announced on Tuesday that he was leaving Team Alpha Male in California and was moving his training to Team Elevation in Colorado.

Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Dillashaw released a statement yesterday about the decision, which included the UFC champion stating “they’ve (Team Elevation) offered me an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up.”

When you hear a statement like that in this game, it makes you wonder if a financial compensation is the reason for the change in training teams. While perception may not always be reality, the perception is reality as Dillashaw confirmed on last night’s edition of Team Alpha Male Radio that he is being paid “some good money” to train with Team Elevation.

“Now, Elevation Fight Team came to me and they want to pay me some good money to train with them,” Dillashaw explained. “They’re offering to pay me to train, instead of me paying to train. This sport is growing so much that that’s the way I feel like it should be. We’re professional athletes. I feel like I got treated better in college wrestling. I had a physical therapist on hand at all times, no matter what, when I was in college. And that’s not where MMA is at yet.”

“If anybody else was in my situation, they would take the exact same deal,” he continued. “This is a very short-lived career. I have to do what’s best for myself. I have to do what’s best for my career and being on top for as long as possible. I can’t fight forever. I’ve gotta fight and secure my future and decide what I’m gonna do with my life. This is a great opportunity.”